David Lindsey (1914-89)

Richard Burns |Apr 1, 1990

David Lindsey, noted Civil War historian and professor emeritus at California State University, Los Angeles, died at home August 26, 1989 at seventy-four years of age. He received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University (1936), his master's from Pennsylvania State University (1938), and his doctorate from the University of Chicago (1950). He taught at Baldwin-Wallace College before joining the Cal State University history department in 1956 where he served as chair (1964–66) and taught until 1983.

Professor Lindsey wrote numerous articles and books, many focusing on the Civil War era. His publications include "Sunset" Cox: Irrepressible Democrat, Ohio's Western Reserve, and Americans in Conflict: The Civil War and Reconstruction.

He was an active member of the American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians. He received a research grant from the American Philosophical Society and three Fulbright Professorships. But his colleagues and students will long remember Professor Lindsey for his devotion to teaching, which resulted in his receiving one of the university's early "Outstanding Professor" awards. A David Lindsey Memorial has been established at 1410 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010. He is survived by his wife and a son.